FOOTBALL
Carabao Cup: Arenal hold Liverpool
Arsenal salvaged a goalless draw at Anfield despite having to play with a man down for more than an hour against Jurgen Klopp’s men in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie.
The teams were supposed to meet last week, but the tie was called off after Liverpool requested the EFL to reschedule for not having enough players available.
Both teams still had a number of notable absentees because of covid, AFCON, and injuries.
No Salah or Mane
Liverpool fielded their first-choice back four but did not have Thiago in the middle as he is out with a long-term injury and lacked the flair of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane up-front who are away on national team duties.
Arsenal, on the other hand, lost Martin Odegaard before the match as the Norwegian’s covid test result returned positive.
The game came too soon for Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile-Smith Rowe who are nursing injuries.
Thomas Partey was also a miss as he is playing for Ghana in the African Cup of Nations.
Lots of missed chances
Anfield has not been a happy place for Arsenal to visit in recent years and they seemed set for another hammering when Granit Xhaka got sent off for a high foot challenge on Diogo Jota.
Bukayo Saka charged through the right and sent the ball towards an onrushing Eddie Nketiah inside the Liverpool box.
The 22-year-old could not get to it, neither did Alexandre Lacazette behind him.
Andy Robertson picked up the ball and launched a diagonal to find Jota isolated in the Arsenal half.
The Portuguese only had Aaron Ramsdale to beat, so Xhaka felt he had to take one for the team to save the goal.
The Switzerland international’s tackle caught Jota in his chest, and referee Michael Oliver did not have to think much before bringing out the red.
Liverpool were already in the driving seat before Xhaka’s dismissal.
Jordan Henderson closed down Ramsdale as he was clearing the ball, but the Liverpool captain could not control the ball properly to send it to an empty net.
Ben White almost sent the ball into his net as he stretched to deny Roberto Firmino a whiff at Takumi Minamino’s low cross.
Sambi Lokonga had to get in the way to prevent Andy Robertson’s shot from hitting the target.
Lost opportunity for Liverpool
Surprisingly, Liverpool could not retain their momentum against a depleted Arsenal team.
Mikel Arteta introduced Rob Holding in expense of NKetiah and moved to a five-man defence. Chances came few and far between for the home side beyond that point.
None of the teams had a shot on target till the 70th minute, and it was Arsenal, who registered the first on-target attempt of the match.
Kieran Tierney burst forward and sent a cross towards Saka.
The England international did not have the best of first touches and gave Alisson Becker time to close him down and neutralise his second attempt.
Liverpool had to wait till stoppage time for their first on-target shot when Curtis Jones forced a shot out of Ramsdale.
Minamino missed a glaring chance to score in the final seconds, but the winger could not keep his shot on target.
The teams will meet in the second-leg of the tie at the Emirates on January 20th.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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